Airbus Helicopters H160 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Sikorsky S 76d
In category terms, the Airbus Helicopters H160 and Leonardo AW169 sit in the light–intermediate twin market aimed at offshore, EMS, and corporate missions, while the Sikorsky S‑76D is a proven medium twin commonly positioned for executive transport and offshore support. The Bell 525 Relentless is the largest of the group, a “super‑medium” twin designed to bridge traditional medium and heavy roles with higher payload and longer legs. On range, the Bell 525 is generally expected to lead with the longest legs in typical configurations, reflecting its larger fuel and weight class. The S‑76D and H160 usually occupy the next tier, offering solid offshore-capable range with efficient cruise profiles. The AW169 is typically a bit shorter-legged than the H160 and S‑76D in comparable passenger layouts, though it remains competitive for regional and near‑offshore missions. For passenger capacity, the Bell 525 generally carries the most (often configured around the high‑teens depending on cabin fit). The S‑76D and H160 commonly fall in the low‑to‑mid teens, while the AW169 is typically in the high single digits to low teens depending on interior and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H160 | Bell 525 Relentless | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | Sikorsky S-76D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 12 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | H160 | 525 Relentless | AW169 | S-76D |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 460 | 580 | 440 | 441 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3992 | 6675 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 | 10 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | EFIS | Thales TopDeck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 160 | 140 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $14,000,000 | $15,000,000 | $9,450,000 | $14,900,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | — | $ 11.84 | $ 11.49 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | — | $ 0.99 | $ 0.96 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | — | $ 1,658 | $ 1,781 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 14 | 18 | 12 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 | 10 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HE Arrano | CT7-2F1 | PW210A | PW210S |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 1800 | 1000 | 1077 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 641 | — | 296 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 39.4 | 61.58 | 48.1 | 52.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 18.18 | 14.8 | 14.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 45.2 | 54.5 | — | 44 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | 49.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 222.5 | — |